My eyebrows lift as I stare at him. There’s a focused expression about him, like he’s remembering quite intently his own trip to hell, and relishing in the memory of it.
He just said everything I haven’t been able to put into words since the moment I got back.
“Yeah.” It hurts to say that one little word, but he only smiles more.
“I haven’t been there in ages. What did it feel like in the center ring?” His alluring eyes are alight with interest.
“It was like every single atom in my body made itself known. Magic radiated through my blood.”
“Yes. I do remember that sensation. Nothing on earth compares to the lick of Hell Fire.” Memories seem to blaze in his eyes. There’s something dark and promising in his gaze, but thrilling just the same.
“Do you ever want to go back?” I ask suddenly.
I don’t even know why but I have to know that I’m not alone.
“Every single day.”
Me too.
I bite the inside of my cheek and my attention falls to the pile of brick I still have to lay.
“I won’t be returning anytime soon. I shouldn’t have been there in the first place. I’m lucky I made it out without serious injury.” The warnings I’ve thought about on repeat fall from my lips but I’m all but pouting as I say it.
“There are safer ways. You certainly took the long route, judging by the time it took you to get back.” Laughter hums through his words but I’m too focused on what he just said to find any amusement.
“A safer way?”
His dark eyebrows lower and his attention never leaves me as his tone drops to a quiet whisper. “Every dark shadow has a secret passage, Miss Castillo,” he winks at me as he starts to stand and suddenly I’m standing too, hanging on his insinuation and everything he didn’t say. But he pauses before he turns to leave. “I have some free time this weekend if you’d like to—”
“Yes.” I blurt out before he even finishes his suggestion.
His warm smile lights his eyes and when he looks at me like that, I remember how much he compares me to his son. He’s comparing me right now and I can feel it. It’s surprisingly more warm than it is uncomfortable. I shouldn’t smile at the fact that he’s comparing me to his dead kid, but I feel a connection with this teacher that I can’t explain.
“Good. I’d love some company this weekend. It’s been a bit quiet and lonely since a few boys broke into my apartment.” Another small smile is passed my way but I’m not sure what he means.
He doesn't give me time to ask. And I don’t dwell on it.
Because I’m too caught up in knowing I’m going to feel alive once more.
This weekend.
Eighteen
Syko
“Are you ready for this weekend?” Her body stiffens in my arms the moment I speak.
“This weekend?” Amber eyes grow wide as she stares at me in an almost scared way.
I’d think she forgot, but this seems different.
“The... the nature weekend Phoenix planned,” I remind her slowly.
Her shoulders relax and she nods. “Right. Yes.” Her head’s still nodding along but she just seems off today. Jumpy, distracted.
But who forgets a date with four fucking men? Nasty dirty thoughts of what we might be doing together have been slamming through my mind for days now. And I still have to suffer through today before we get to Saturday.
“You okay?” I tilt her chin up and she leans into me with the weight of her small body.
